Sorry for the long wait. :) It's been a bit busy.

*Edit: For those who have been reading faithfully, and for all the new readers, this fic is an exorcism of my Arrow demons at the moment. There is so much that I love about the show and so much (that IMO makes the show great) that I think has recently been sacrificed for an arc that I'm really confused by. This isn't a story about Sara-hate, or about Felicity rebounding into the arms of any random guy. It's about Felicity finding who she is without Oliver and Oliver realising that she means more to him than he ever realised. It's also about his quest to be worthy of her because right now, on the show, I think she could do a hell of a lot better. So for those wondering, this is an Olicity fic, I just want to make sure that Oliver works for his happy ending.

Thanks for reading and a huge thank you for the continued support.

LadyG

The Starling City Metropolitan Police Gala was held in the conservatory of the Botanical Gardens on the outskirts of Town. Having been newly renovated by the Robert Queen Foundation, it was a spacious, lavish and decadent glass cocoon that had been transformed into an area large enough for dining as well as accommodating a generous dance floor and bar.

Feasting her eyes on the gleaming wooden floors and shiny candelabra that's long waxy candlesticks flickered brightly, casting enchanting shadows throughout the room, Felicity couldn't help feeling as though she'd stepped back in time. Even the band was playing music that was clearly suited to slow dancing rather than the fashionable tunes pumping out of clubs like Verdant. Overhead were stars clearly visible in the clear night sky and all around were the lush and fragrant gardens that were lovingly and fastidiously maintained.

"I take it you like what you're seeing?" Adam asked at her side, resplendent in a black tux.

Smiling up at him, she nodded enthusiastically. "It's so beautiful. I can't believe I've never been here before."

He reached for her hand and steered her through the crowd to an open side door. "Considering that this place has been under construction for the past year, I'm not surprised. Moira Queen is fitting the bill for tonight's festivities as a thank you to the Police Department for all their efforts this year. I'm sure it won't hurt her mayoral aspirations either," Adam ended cynically.

Startled, Felicity instinctively looked around. I should have known. Since when did the SCPD have the resources for this kind of shindig? It had Queen stamped all over it. "I guess I should have realized."

Adam grabbed two glasses of champagne off the tray of a passing waiter and handed one to her. "You mean you didn't know?" He looked surprised.

Since she and Oliver talked on a need-to basis most of the time, his family's charitable pursuits weren't at the top of their discussion list. "I must have missed it somehow," she evaded, looking around at the smiling couples on the dance floor. Realising that Adam had gone silent, she turned to look at him and their eyes met. His stare was so intense that she felt a blush stain her cheeks.

His lips curved upward slowly. "You're beautiful."

The dress she'd chosen was a crimson, sweetheart neckline, figure hugging gown that followed her curves closely before flaring gently at the hips and falling in soft waves to the floor. It was simple and without embellishment so she'd paired it her favourite gold cascading teardrop earrings and a matching gold cuff. She'd opted to arrange her hair in loose curls, the shimmering mass falling around her shoulders and down her back.

"Thank you." His sincerity never failed to touch her. Sure her face matched her dress, she leaned forward impulsively and kissed his smooth jaw.

Grinning, he placed his hand at the small of her back, the weight not at all unpleasant. "I wonder when your employers will be arriving?"

That was actually the thing Felicity was dreading. She was sure Oliver would bring Sara, which she didn't really have a problem with per se, they were together. It was just that she saw them every day and it would be nice to be able to enjoy a night out without having to stare into their faces in her personal time as well.

Then there was Moira. The last conversation she'd had with the woman had been frosty, to say the least. She'd guessed that Felicity's feelings for Oliver were more than just platonic and had tried to use it as a way to manipulate her into keeping Thea's parentage a secret. Lying to Oliver had never even been an option. That's not how she operated and she'd known that if Oliver ever found out, it would have shattered the trust between them. Ultimately, despite everything, that was not something she was willing to risk.

"Oh, I think they just did." Judging by the commotion at the front of the room, and the perfectly coiffed blonde head bobbing through the crowd, it didn't take a rocket scientist to realise that the Queen's had landed. Besides Moira was Thea, looking stylish in what must have been a designer gown, a bright smile on her face as she tugged a decidedly uncomfortable looking Roy along behind her.

The sight made Felicity smile.

"What's so funny?" Adam asked.

Felicity nodded toward the young couple. "Roy. He looks like he's about to make a run for it."

Adam chuckled. "I don't think I've ever seen anyone look more pained."

"Roy's a good kid," she said fondly, watching as he mumbled hello's in every which way. "He's had a tough life, but Thea seems to have tamed him. They're so sweet together."

She felt Adam draw her closer to his side and she didn't resist, didn't want to. "Do you think we're sweet together?" he whispered close to her ear. Leaning back slightly to see his eyes, she saw the amusement twinkling in their depths.

"You don't make me feel sweet," she blurted, not feeling the least bit self-conscious.

His voice dropped an octave. "I should hope not."

Engrossed in one another they didn't hear Roy's approach until he cleared his throat. Adam took a small step back, but didn't remove his arm from the curve of her hip.

"Roy!" Watching him tugging at his bow tie, Felicity immediately felt sympathetic. "You're looking very handsome."

He rolled his eyes. "If this is the price of beauty, I'll pass."

"Adam," she said, turning toward her date, "this is Roy Harper. Roy," she smiled and gestured toward the tall man at her side, "meet Adam Donner."

"Hey," Roy replied, grasping the DA's hand firmly while watching him closely, as though taking his measure. Adam's gaze didn't waver, sensing the younger man's protectiveness.

"I've heard a lot about you." After what felt like minutes, but must have been mere seconds, Roy let go with a small nod.

Grinning at her, he said, "Knowing Felicity, it was probably all good."

She punched him playfully on the arm. "Behave. Why didn't you tell me you were coming tonight?"

He scowled. "Because I didn't know. Thea decided to fill me in on the last minute so I couldn't think of a reason to worm my way out of it."

Adam grimaced. "She's that scary?"

Roy nodded somberly. "You have no idea."

"Harsh," the DA replied with a low whistle.

"Hey! What is this? Boys-ganging-up-on-girls-night?"

Roy shrugged. "The man understands my pain. Don't be a hater."

Felicity huffed and Adam laughed. "If it's any consolation, the gardens are gorgeous and would make a pretty decent refuge."

Roy peered over her shoulder into the moonlit gardens beyond. "Don't give me any ideas. Thea would skin me alive if I bailed." He ran a hand under his collar, seeking air.

"Stop fidgeting," Felicity said, amused.

"You would too if you were strapped into a monkey suit," he retorted, reluctantly letting go of his collar. "How anyone finds this get-up comfortable is beyond me." He glanced at Adam. "No offence, or anything."

Adam raised a hand conciliatorily. "None taken."

Grabbing a glass of champagne, Adam handed it to Roy. "I think you need this. Incoming."

"There you are! Ollie's just arrived," Thea said, hooking her arm into Roy's. She was stunning in a bronze one shoulder sequined metallic dress that was both youthful and edgy. She couldn't help noticing the loving look Roy sent her way. Whatever he may say, she knew he'd do anything for Thea.

Glancing discreetly in the direction of the entrance, Felicity didn't see Oliver anywhere. Relieved, she said, "Thea, this is Adam-"

"Donner," she said, finishing Felicity's sentence and staring at the man who'd tried to stick her mother in jail.

Felicity felt a moment's unease. She didn't want things to become ugly. "Look-"

Thea waved a hand dismissively. "It's okay. That's all over with now and I'm sure it wasn't personal, right?" The question was directed at Adam.

He shook his head. "No ma'am. Just doing my job."

"Rather well, even if I do say so myself," Thea replied, sardonically. "Although I don't think my Mom-"

Roy cut her off by jabbing her gently in the ribs.

"Ow! What?" she asked, looking around before her eyes widened in recognition. "Mom!"

Felicity felt her body stiffen instinctively as Moira Queen walked around her and joined their circle.

"Miss Smoak," the matriarch said coolly. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Felicity accompanied me," Adam replied on her behalf and then added courteously, "It's nice to see you again, Mrs. Queen."

Moira ignored him and focused her attention on Felicity. "I see. So this is the company you keep. Does my son know?"

"Mom!" Thea replied, shocked.

Stunned that Moira would deliberately snub Adam, Felicity unconsciously moved closer to him. "Who I spent my private time with is none of Oliver's concern," she replied, raising her chin defiantly.

Moira looked her over; clearly finding her lacking if the subtle tightening around her mouth was any indication. "Well, there really is no accounting for taste."

Felicity felt Adam tense beside her at the insult. Knowing that he wouldn't let the comment slide, she glared at Moira, hating the glint of satisfaction she saw in the older woman's eyes, before grasping his hand and smiling at Thea and Roy politely. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Oliver heading their way. "We're going to dance."

As she brushed past Roy, she heard him whisper to Thea, "Your mother is a piece of work, you know that?"

Furious, she avoided Oliver's eyes as she led Adam onto the dance floor. Easing into his arms, she could feel the tension holding his body captive.

"You shouldn't have hightailed us out of there. I was looking forward to putting her on her place." His voice was brimming with anger.

Taking a deep breath, Felicity tried to focus her thoughts. "Making a scene wouldn't have accomplished anything. I generally prefer taking the high road."

"I don't like the way she spoke to you," he said softly.

Melting a little inside, Felicity rested her cheek on his chest. "I can handle Moira Queen." She couldn't really, but saying it made her feel better. "Besides, what she thinks has no bearing on us."

"Still," he said, raising her chin until their eyes met. "If she ever treats you like that again, I won't walk away."

He didn't say anything more as they swayed together, Felicity feeling more cherished and cared for than she had in a very long time.

Her eyes scanning the room idly, they came to a grinding halt on Oliver and Sara. Like Roy, despite the fancy clothes, she looked completely out of place. She was a beautiful woman, but her unease was palpable, even from Felicity's vantage point. Her body language was rigid and defensive, her arms crossed protectively across her chest. The way she kept switching her weight from one leg to another, indicated that her black stilettos were clearly not her daily choice of footwear. Similarly, the black strappy gown she was wearing looked like something straight out of Laurel's closet and as a result didn't seem to suit Sara at all. If there was one thing Felicity knew, it was that the Lance sisters were nothing alike.

Sara was standing slightly turned away from them, chatting to Oliver's mother and sister. He, however, looking as gorgeous as ever in his black formals, was standing at the edge of the dance floor, his eyes firmly fixed on her.